In order to truly appreciate the Northern Lights in their full glory, it is recommended to have the following; zero light pollution, close proximity to solar wind activity and a unique landscape. High above the Arctic Circle, this long weekend in a remote part of Finnish Lapland covers all three. With expert local guides, head deep into a unique snow-laden wilderness that will, with any luck, become the backdrop to one of the most spectacular natural phenomena on Earth.

After a hearty Finnish breakfast we transfer to a local reindeer herder's farm to learn about the life and ways of the Lappish reindeer herder. We will be shown how to throw the Lappish lasso, or 'suopunki', and also experience a short 3km ride on a traditional reindeer sled. We will then have lunch in a local ice hotel, which displays ice sculptures designed by local artists.
In the afternoon there will be time to relax and unwind in the sauna. Dinner will then be taken in a Kota (a traditional structure shaped like a teepee) to sample traditional local foods. After digesting, we then suit up and head into the wilderness on snowmobiles in search of the Northern Lights. Our route takes us on a 20km circuit to the top of a nearby fell, where we will enjoy some warm drinks and hopefully a glimpse of the Aurora over the vast untouched Arctic wilderness.

This moring we head to the husky kennels where we will meet our friendly teams, who will be extremely happy to see you. After a short lesson on the basics of dogsledding we head out, 2 to a sled, for a 17 km 'mush' on pre prepared sled tracks. After picnic lunch prepared on an open fire in the woods we then head back to base. The afternoon is free to relax. Once the sun is firmly below the horison, we then transfer to our wilderness cabin (approx 35mins). Situated deep in the forest our cabin is surrounded by 0 light pollution and is the perfect place to spot the Northern Lights from. After dinner there will be a chance to don our snowshoes and head out into the wilderness in search of the Northern Lights.

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Guided Group

This is a small group guided holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are reasonably fit, enjoy the outdoors and are looking for some exercise. Some previous experience is preferable for activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

What's not included

Travel insurance - GBP100

Single accommodation (available on request)

Ski hire

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Wilderness Cabins

HARRINIVA WOODEN CABINS
At Harriniva we stay in 2 person wooden cabins, right on the edge of the river Etuvayla, the other side of which is Sweden. Each cabin is en suite, with its own private sauna.
WILDERNESS CABINS
For the night in the wilderness the cabin is a dormitory style accommodation with maximum 8 persons per room. The facilities can be quite simple but cosy with all huts heated by a wood-burning stove. It also features a sauna.

A single supplement is available for a supplement of £140 (approx. US$280). Please contact us for availability.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
No visa required for UK passport holders visiting Finland.
There are no specific health risks. Holiday style

2 days mixed activities, with visits to and exploration of areas of natural beauty. Each evening we will attempt to see the Northern Lights, choosing location and times based on the latest information to give us the best chance of seeing them.

Dogsledding
While speeds rarely exceed 20 km per hour, injuries can occur if a sled tips over or leaves the trail, and participants should be prepared for this risk.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included.
The food provided covers a variety of traditional Finnish dishes and is prepared at a high standard. Vegetarians are catered for on request.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want
to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

Weather & seasonality

In the regions close to the Arctic Circle temperatures during the season range from -30degC to +5degC. Christmas will normally be the coldest (usually below -20 C), but the temperatures rise as the days lengthen, and early April can see temperatures around -10degC to +5degC. Recent years have seen massive fluctuations in the space of a few weeks with lows of -45degC and highs of +10degC just a few days apart.

Daylight hours

In mid-winter (December/January) the sun remains just above the horizon from 10am to about 4pm. But the days lengthen quickly, and by end of March there are more daylight hours than in the UK. For many people, the most exciting time to travel is in January, the low temperatures and shorter days add a sense of adventure. Often the trees are covered in heavy snow at this time of year, and the low-angled light is excellent for photography.

Northern Lights

There is a chance of seeing the breathtaking Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) from September to late April (on clear nights) at latitudes close to, and above the Arctic Circle. They are also often seen further south, but are less spectacular and less frequent. Solar activity is greater around the equinoxes (September and April), and at lower latitudes this can be the best time to see them. Inside the Arctic Circle, they tend to be just as good in any winter month, nevertheless the Northern Lights are a phenomenon of nature and cannot be guaranteed or promised in any way!

Please note that as this trip is based well above the Arctic Circle the cold weather is very unpredictable. Saftey for the clients is always paramount so please be aware that the order of the itinerary and the length of route may be subject to last minute changes.

Gallery

Reviews & community

Wow what an incredible couple of days! Absolutely full to the brim of activities, a fun group of people to share it with, a fantastic leader and delicious food

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Without a doubt it was seeing the Northern Lights when we were out at the wilderness cabin for the night. We all laid in the snow star-gazing for an hour before the lights put on a show for us - magical!

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